I've been enjoying my Shure SE215 more than I thought it would. Coming from Hifman's RE-400 and then Etymotic hf5 (which I liked quite a bit for the detail and clarity), these guys have more bass presence, a warmer sound sig and recessed highs-normally not a good thing, but it makes this little IEM very forgiving of poorly recorded metal and sound quite good with low-fi recordings, but, it could use more extension and and sparkle in the highs. Still for a sub $100 IEM, I'm impressed.
All of which has me musing, would I ever want to spend more as I have on over-ears on an IEM? I'm not sure. I've never used IEMs for dedicated and primarily use IEMs at the gym, sometimes doing yard work, particularly leaf removal in the fall-my property backs to woods and have a ton of trees. But, as a teacher, I could use them at work at the end of the day as an alternative to some Grados I keep in my desk with a little Nuforce Icon DAC/amp that I use primarily to stream BAndcamp, and maybe in my van. My CDP/radio went out a little while ago and I replaced it with a cheapie that sounds like, schiiit.
Still, I'm just not sure my sources warrant a multi hundred dollar expense-I've always kept things at or under $100 as I've abused my IEMs-even at the gym, the cable can easily get caught on something and rip out of my ears or source. Really just use an Ipod most of the time or a cell phone for some streaming. I don't really like the feeling of IEMs in my ears, but I do like the low profile nature, the ability to store in a glove compartment/backpack/pocket and the ability to whip them out when out and about without big over-heads.
Dobrescue George recommended a $1,000 IEM, but I don't see spending anywhere near that. No doubt it's awesome, but if I lost it, I would sit down and cry like a baby-haha!
The Shure 415 is about $300 which Jude lists as his favorite "sweet spot" in the Shure line, and I saw on a blog of best IEMS for rock a recommendation of Wetsone UM Pro 30 as their recommendation of the best IEM for heavy metal. It's about $400 on Amazon-way more than I thought I'd ever spend. I'd be interested in any of your thoughts re: pricy IEMs relative to un-amped portable sources.